Our response to the Scottish government's December budget

“It’s hugely disappointing to see the Scottish Government slashing funding for cycling and walking at a time when they should be increasing investment. Over £30m in cuts takes Scotland even further away from meeting the £320m target promised at the beginning of this Parliament.

“Investment in walking and cycling is not just good for the planet, it’s essential to fix the crisis facing our NHS. With over a third of Scots doing little or no physical activity each week, we need ways to get people active again in their day-to-day lives. 

“This shortsighted decision is more damaging than the cuts we saw in September’s mid-year budget and shows this government has abandoned its promise to the people of Scotland. If we’re serious about making cycling and walking a realistic option for getting around, the government needs to urgently reverse these cuts and restate its commitment to meeting its original target as soon as possible.“ 

The Scottish Government has announced over £30 million in cuts to the active travel budget. This reduces funding from £220m to £188.7m - a step back for sustainable travel. While the overall transport budget has increased, including spending on new roads, active travel funding has dropped to just 4.7% of the transport budget for next year.

The government is now back-pedalling on the support for cycling it promised would help tackle the climate crisis, improve public health, and give people real transport choices. 

But there’s still time to act. The budget must first be approved by the Scottish Parliament in February 2025, so your MSPs can let the government know they don’t support the cuts and ask why it’s breaking its promises.

Write to your MSPs